Devonport Charity Facing Food Insecurity With Dignity

by Hobart Magazine

Make It Fresh is a new initiative in Devonport, helping to combat food security issues and offer affordable options for the community. We had a chat with the manager Al Ollington about their future plans.

What is Make It Fresh and what services do you offer? Make it Fresh, an initiative of Gran’s Van Association, is designed to address broader issues of food security by providing a regular shopping experience as a social enterprise supermarket and cafe. We have a small selection of grocery items available online now for weekly delivery, and the intent is to grow that offering as quickly as possible. The online store is an interim program while we are looking for a suitable location for the market and cafe.

Why is a service like yours necessary? Gran’s Van has been operating in Devonport since 2006, providing free meals to the Devonport community via mobile food van. While this service is needed to address the symptoms, it doesn’t really impact on the causes of food insecurity, and it doesn’t promote the dignity of clients. Global and national research shows that this provides a greater degree of dignity through choice, removing real and perceived barriers for people to access support.

Up to 51% of Tasmanians face some level of food insecurity, yet only 10% of those seek support. Research shows that social supermarkets begin to bridge this gap. And by operating as a commercial enterprise, Make it Fresh will also work to become self-sustaining, enabling ongoing support for the community and becoming a model for other communities to learn from.

The service is currently run online, but you’re looking for a physical space in Devonport. What does the wishlist look like? The physical space we need is around 400 square metres to house both the market and cafe. If we could find a little more, we would also include a social enterprise laundromat. Because of the nature of the enterprise, it needs to be in a zone that allows for retail sales and as we are a charity, we have a limited budget. Devonport is thriving commercially, so finding a suitable space is proving to be more difficult than we expected.

How can our readers help, or get in touch? In the short term, Gran’s Van will continue to operate the mobile food van alongside the new Make it Fresh online store. The key element we need to finalise is the location for the market, but as things progress there will be lots of opportunities to volunteer or contribute financially to the services we are providing. We can be contacted via our website at www.makeitfresh.au or via email info@makeitfresh.au.

Love this

Extras

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!